Some cool info in the midsummer heat.
I haven’t written any Grange Notes for a while, but there is important news!

Before: just a dark hole under the porch:

During: one corner complete:

Eventually: a decorative background for a beautified main entrance!

Alert readers will remember that we have been talking about improving the looks of the Grange Hall entrance we built in 2008–part of our first big grant-funded project. As we added a “universal entrance” which is accessible for all people–including those with mobility problems–our plan was always to create more than a back entrance with a ramp. Merry Shernock has taken charge of this project, getting a professional proposal for hardscaping, plantings and landscape rocks. The quote was high enough that we decided at our June meeting to see how much we could do with volunteer labor.
Merry also found us more donated labor, combining her own community service working with recently released inmates with the Grange’s needs. She has been meeting, along with a “Circle of Support & Accountability”, with a young man who needs community service hours as part of his supervised transition to “civilian life”. The Grange is a great community service opportunity! Tyson has put in three sessions so far, working with me on outdoor work: trimming the extremely long grass around the Hall and parking lot–and most recently mounting the lattice you see in the pictures above. There’s more to come!
If you’d like to help with importing some soil and compost to make planting beds, planting perennials and/or annuals to climb on our lattice, moving landscape rocks, and much more, contact Merry–her phone number and Grange rental email are at the top of the Notes!
Meanwhile, Tyson and I will be continuing to frame in the porch with the rest of the lattice panels.

Here is Tyson working on the weeds, on one of his first work days at the Grange Hall.

The National Grange turns 150 this year–join in the history and enjoy the “4 degrees” this Saturday!

Here’s how it looked in 2005, at the CCG!

Many Grange members who joined about 12 years ago will remember the impressive ceremony put on by the VT State Grange membership on January 15th, 2005 to welcome 70 new members for Capital City Grange. This is the full, official welcome for new Grange members. Above, you can see the new members on the right, and Grange members from all over Vermont on the left, getting ready to “exemplify” the full 4 degrees of Community Grange membership.

Whenever you joined, please check out this message from the VT State Grange Master:

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the National Grange, Come to the Grange Center on Saturday, July 22, 2017 to witness the exemplification of the first four degrees of the Grange in full form. The Grange will open in the Fourth Degree at 1:00. At that time the First Degree Team will begin the degree with succeeding teams continuing through the Fourth Degree. The day will culminate with a Celebration Banquet consisting of a ham dinner with all the trimmings.–Brenda Rousselle, Master, VT State Grange.

Our Community Grange–the basic level of Granges throughout the country–operates “in the 4th degree” as Brenda states above. This level presumes that members have been told about all 4 initial degrees. These are “exemplified” to provide instructions for new members in the spirit and messages of the Patrons of Husbandry, the full name of the Grange organization. The lessons are delivered in very poetic language; they are based on 4 seasons of the year, the changing tasks that accompany the seasons on the farm, and the stages of human life. They were written in the 19th century, and are a real contrast to the rush of modern life–it’s a chance to step back and contemplate what it means to join the Grange and its mission of bringing people together.
This event is, I think, the first full performance of all 4 degrees since the event at our Grange Hall in 2005. It’s being done in celebration of the National Grange’s big anniversary of the formation of the Grange by 7 “founders” in 1867.
I enjoyed seeing the 4 degrees in 2005, and I’ll be happy to go to this with any of the members–new or old–who want to see this seldom-scene event on Saturday. The degrees will take place at the VT State Grange Center, 308 West St., Brookfield VT 05036–easy to get to. Email me: http://swartztim15@gmail.com,or call me: 802-225-8921 to ask any questions, or set up a time to meet and car-pool. It’s really a rare opportunity!

New Obligations and reviewing our finances will occupy us for our last meeting before the “summer break”. After we open the meeting, we plan to formally induct our newest member, Andra Kisler. She was our 1st Place, blue ribbon winner in the Cinnamon Buns contest at the May meeting, and the Grange has paid her dues for this year’s Grange membership. We will welcome her to our Community Grange with the short “Obligation” ceremony–an initiation with no hazing, just singing and support. If there is any one else who hasn’t experienced this, please join us on June 3rd at 4:30!
We’ll also discuss some updates on quotes and planning for the Main Entrance and North side of the building–along with the Friends of the Capital City Grange Hall, I and other Grange members have been looking at alternatives for dealing with the perpetually peeling paint problems on the clapboards. And quotes for landscape work on the Main entrance at the Northeast corner of the building have led to some rethinking.
An extra beautiful spot is blooming in one of the beds by the South/dancer’s/basement access entrance. Many thanks for some anonymous work that has been done to spruce up the flower beds there–see below for a lovely photo taken by Carla Kevorkian, leader of the Afro-Caribbean dance class on Thursday mornings! The rich palette of greens, with the flower blossoms setting them off are visible all around us.

Our meetings always feature some sort of special event; this month we will be looking at our finances through the new lens that Merry has brought to our bookkeeping. As part of her taking over the duties of Treasurer last year, we began using QuickBooks Online, which gives us the capability of seeing more than one month’s financial transactions. Starting at 5:30, Merry will have a projector set up, so she can bring up various reports on rental income, average regular bills, types of renters, and more. We will all be learning more about this new system and its capabilities.
Merry is planning to provide a quarterly, detailed reports on finances, and at our monthly meetings to provide a general statement of our financial status with less detail. The intent is to get a longer-term view of where we stand, without getting into the variable details of individual months.

Summer hiatus for Grange meetings

We know that our members and friends are busy with the long days, warm weather, vacations, trips and more, so we don’t worry about having a meeting every month. No formal meetings in July & August!
There will be projects going on–like the landscaping and north-end re-siding we’ll be talking about. Want to learn more? Keep reading the Grange Notes, or contact us if you have an idea for a project you want to lead, or time you want to donate!

Extra special Grange event this summer:
the 4 degrees of Grange membership on July 22nd.

Many Grange members who joined about 12 years ago will remember the impressive ceremony put on by the VT State Grange membership on January 15th, 2005 to welcome 70 new members for Capital City Grange. This is the full, official welcome for new Grange members. Whenever you joined, please check out this message from the VT State Grange Master:

In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the National Grange, Come to the Grange Center on Saturday, July 22, 2017 to witness the exemplification of the first four degrees of the Grange in full form. The Grange will open in the Fourth Degree at 1:00. At that time the First Degree Team will begin the degree with succeeding teams continuing through the Fourth Degree. The day will culminate with a Celebration Banquet consisting of a ham dinner with all the trimmings.–Brenda Rousselle, Master, VT State Grange.

Our Community Grange–the basic level of Granges throughout the country–operates “in the 4th degree” as Brenda states above. This level presumes that members have been told about all 4 initial degrees. These “exemplified” by instructions for new members. The lessons are delivered in very poetic language; they are based on 4 seasons of the year, the changing tasks that accompany the seasons on the farm, and the stages of human life. These were written in the 19th century, and are a real contrast to the rush of modern life–it’s a chance to step back and contemplate what it means to join the Grange and its mission of bringing people together.
The State Grange is looking for as many members as possible (especially new ones) to take part as “marching candidates” for each Degree. If you do this, you will be led by experienced Grange members, many of whom have memorized the degree ritual.
It is a rare opportunity to hear all the Degrees in one day, and you won’t regret it. If you’d like to be a Marching Candidate, contact me, or email State Grange Master Brenda Rousselle directly: brousselle@myfairpoint.netYou’ll need to send in your name if you want some of that ham dinner at the end of the day, too!
This will all take place at the Grange Center, 308 West St., Brookfield VT 05036–easy to get to.

While we had to try to forget the special event which came after our meeting, we managed to have another full meeting about Grange business–with the usual songs to make sure we were (mostly) in tune.
We started off with our usual reports—Agriculture being a little more active by this time of the year! Besides the planting of various gardens, Alison told us about going to the annual Northern Grain Growers Association conference. Besides the ongoing discussions sharing best ways of growing grains, a popular presentation was UVM’s research into industrial hemp growing. The University’s Ag school has test plots growing in many locations in Vermont’s diverse climate conditions, where farmers are learning about things like avoiding sticky hemp from clogging their tedders, for example. The VT State Grange is on record as supporting legalization of industrial hemp cultivation and production of hemp products, by the way!
The news from the Grain Growers made an interesting parallel to VT legislativediscussions about the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana. As we met, the House and Senate had supported significantly different approaches. As I finish this report, the chambers have agreed on a bill to allow Vermonters to grow their own marijuana, and to do more research on issues such as how police and courts can evaluate whether drivers are impaired. We also had a lively discussion of the Governor’s proposal for statewide health insurance negotiation for all school districts. Since our membership includes someone who works in a school and a school board member, we got some on-the-ground information. We did not try to come up with a decision of our group, but finished well-informed. Health concerns this month were focused on mental exercise, as well as physical. Phyllis Skinner RN, our usual health reporter had us take the same type of quiz which immigrants seeking naturalized citizenship have to know: the provisions of the US Constitution! Our knowledge was pretty good as a group, though individually spotty. The highlight came with Liz Benjaminsinging the First Amendment! She remembers the song, composed as a memorization aid, since her elementary school days….which were several decades ago! I found a Youtube version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61Ncu7xIkQ0 which is a lot more produced–and several others.
We learned about the accomplishments of the Barre-Tones, fresh from the performance by their “UpScale” quartet at our Grange Open House. The whole barbershop chorus won big at the regional competition, qualifying for International Competition in November! Upscale won as “Best Quartet”! Learn more at: http://barretonesvt.com/ .
In addition, we had reports about the Hall–the Friends are planning ways to solve the North end paint problems with ventilated siding and interior insulation of the wall. More to come on that–and we are getting more detailed information on the proposed improvements and landscaping for our official main entrance which includes the ramp on the North end.
Our June meeting will feature a year-to-date financial report, with more long-term information about our income, expenses and net worth, as Merry has learned more about what the QuickBooks Online program can provide. Put June 3rd on your calendar!

AND THEN IT WAS TIME FOR THE BIG EVENT:

Scenes from a trial

Beginning the deliberations

Our expert panel took their time in making decisions: there were 5 varying types of cinnamon rolls/buns to choose from. They began by establishing their criteria: appearance, texture, sweetness and flavor…but flavor counted more than the others!
From left to right: Roger Hill, Lynn Spencer and Anne Donahue, with Charles Martin surveying their judging criteria.
Also visible are the prizes: 3 rolling pins in graduated sizes from Papa Bear to Baby Bear. Merry found these at a craft shop in Mexico and immediately knew she found excellent prizes.

A relaxed Kate enjoys the attention

Phyllis & Les Skinner are clearly enjoying a chance to get to know the 5 month old daughter of Erin Barry. Kate, who attended the Grange meeting on the lap of Erin was happy to recline and accept the adulation.

And the winners are….

Roger, Lynn and Anne announce the results. After thorough discussion and comparison, the difficult decisions were made. While they said that they would happily eat any of the choices, we insisted that they choose:
1st place/Blue Ribbon: Andra Kisler of Northfield, who found out about the contest via Front Porch Forum, got the nod for her sweet, fluffy, well-iced and tasty creations. We have paid for her membership dues, so that she can compete in the VT State Grange contest, held in July at the Grange Family Camp in Brookfield!
2nd place/Red Ribbon: Erin Barry, who also organizes the very successful Kids Trade ‘n’ Play events at our Grange Hall took this one. Another “Delicious” verdict.
3rd place/Yellow Ribbon: Phyllis Skinner, also serving as Overseer of our CCG baked “upside down” rolls in muffin tins, with a tasty bottom that ended up on top. She said later it’s the first time she baked cinnamon buns!
Runners up were Alison Forrest‘s spirals, made with sweet potatoes, and my whole-wheat versions.
I can also tell you that all of the other rolls brought by the contestants, besides the 3 used for judging, were consumed at the potluck dinner, and by dancers. So lots of people enjoyed the contest!
You can see the 3 rolling pins on the table in this photo as well. Charles Martin also provided a gift bag for the 3 winners–and also for the 3 judges. All the judges thanked us for inviting them–and we were honored that they found time to join us and help out.
Watch the Grange Notes for updates on Andra’s success in the later stages of the State and maybe the National Grange championships! And for next year’s contest.

We will have our monthly meeting for Capital City Grange, keeping track of finances, plans for improvements in the Grange Hall, plus reports on legislative matters, health concerns, agricultural changes (some positive news at this time of year!), and our usual sing-alongs. We hope you will join us!

At about 5:30, we’ll have this month’s special event:

We are creating a diverse panel of judges,
for you to impress with your buns, however you roll them!

From the world of Science, meteorologist Roger Hill!
You’ve heard him on WDEV, WGDR and many other stations, and you’ve gotten advice on the weather from “Weathering Heights“. So you know he has good taste in weather. Find out how flaky his crust is!

From the world of Legislation, Politics, and making fine distinctions: Anne Donahue!
Anne has represented the “Washington-2” district since 2003; that has included Berlin since 2012. She is the vice-chair of the Health Care committee, and publishes Counterpoint, a Vermont journal about the mental health community. Find out what she thinks is spicy in cinnamon rolls!

From the world of art (and education and baking), the curator of our stunning exhibition of art from Berlin: Lynn Spencer!
Lynn teaches art at Berlin Elementary School, and curated the selection of art now gracing the walls of our Grange Hall, out of the many creations (since 2002) of the kids she has taught. And she is a part-time professional baker, making pies for Ellie’s Farm Market, just down the road on Rt. 12!

What’s it all about? The baking contest–this Saturday, May 6th

If you’ve read this far, and missed our previous publicity, perhaps it isn’t obvious…but this is the annual Baking Contest for the Grange! This year, the challenge for Grangers all over Vermont is to bake CINNAMON ROLLS (OR BUNS)! You can use any recipe or ingredients you think will tickle the tastebuds of the judges, and make them as healthily delicious, or depravedly delightful as you choose.
What do you win? Besides a blue ribbon, the plaudits of our judges, and the appreciation of your peers, the first place winner at our Community Grange will move on to the State contest, with the chance to win a modest Cash Prize, as well as another blue ribbon! You can even go on to the Nationals!Here’s the not-so-fine print: Bring 3-5 rolls on a paper plate, with no identifying marks on the top. Put your name, and the recipe on a 3 x 5 card or similar on the bottom of the plate. Bring them to the Grange Hall by 5:00–we’ll be doing the judging about 5:30.
If you are not already a Grange member, with all the rest of us cool kids, we’ll pay for your membership so you can compete at the State level.

And remember–any age can enter!

And after the judging, stay for the Community Potluck Dinner, 6 to 7:00 PM!

As always after a meeting and a program, the Grange hosts a potluck dinner where everyone brings their best dishes to share–hope you will join us!

Why will the Grange smell so good on May 6th?
Special Baking Contest edition

Which ones look like your buns?

What’s your secret recipe?

We are having a baking contest, and everyone is invited!

Bring your irresistible treat on Saturday, May 6th, at 5:00 PM, with judging at 5:30!

Every year, all Granges hold a baking contest, and this year it is cinnamon buns or rolls. ANY recipe is eligible to win! All you have to do is impress our panel of CELEBRITY JUDGES! We can’t tell you who they all are yet, but we already have commitments from a local legislator, and a well-known meteorologist.
The winner will represent Capital City Grange at the VT State Grange contest–and we’ll pay your dues for 2017 if you aren’t already a member (like so many cool people). There are cash prizes for the State winners!
And you can use any recipe–any type of flour, any type of sugar, special flavorings–though I think it will be prudent to use cinnamon!The slightly finer print: Bring your entry of 3 to 5 buns, on a paper plate to the Grange Hall at 5:00 PM, with your name, contact information, and the recipe, taped to the bottom side of the plate. All entries anonymous and fairly judged!

All ages are welcome to enter this contest!

And of course, we’ll have a great Community Potluck at 6:00.

Bring your favorite dish for sharing, and join us eating at the tables in the Main Hall. We’ve been getting more and more people joining us, and this should be an especially good one. It’s a great opportunity to meet and talk to people–and to share recipes!

I’ll send out info on our April Open House in a separate edition of the Notes.
We wanted to give you and your friends time to test your recipes before May 6th!